Swiss researchers are pioneering a new form of three dimensional printing that incorporates live organisms in the ink.  They hope to create structures that can be targeted for biomedical, environmental, and sanitation applications.

Materials scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich have developed four different inks using different concentrations of two bacteria chosen for their helpful properties.  Pseudomonas putida can break down toxic compounds used in the chemical industry; Acetobacter xylinum secretes a type of bacterial cellulose that relieves pain and retains moisture, which they hope makes it ideal for medical applications.  Both species are harmless to humans.

"Printing using bacteria-containing hydrogels has enormous potential, as there is such a wide range of useful bacteria out there," said Professor Patrick Ruhs, "Most people only associate bacteria with diseases, but we actually couldn't survive without (them)."

The professor and his colleagues call their invention "flink", short for Functional Living Ink.  The bacteria is added to a structured water-based gel - or hydrogel - containing basic ingredients like sugar molecules that the organisms need to survive.

The goal is to manufacture items ranging from 3D-printed sensors for detecting pollutants in drinking water, to filters for cleaning up oil spills, to medical treatments for burns.